The city of Phoenix is considering implementing an ordinance that will establish guidelines and requirements for medical treatment and food distribution activities in city parks, and they are seeking feedback on the proposed provisions before the ordinance is presented to the Phoenix City Council for adoption on May 6.
In December 2025, council approved the Safe Medical Treatment in Parks Ordinance (G-7467, Sec. 23-45), which “prohibits events designed to provide medical treatment or care to the public, the sale or exchange of syringes and needles, and the sale or distribution of harm reduction kits in city parks and mountain preserves” unless sponsored or otherwise authorized by approval through established city processes (permitting). The ordinance was approved to go into effect on March 30, but on March 4, council delayed the effective date to June 1 to allow for additional research and community engagement.
A community survey is available online, and community meetings are scheduled, beginning with Wednesday, April 8, 6-7 p.m., at the Sunnyslope Community Center, 802 E. Vogel Ave. Additional meetings include Wednesday, April 15, 6-7 p.m., in Memorial Hall at Steele Indian School Park, 300 E. Indian School Road, and a virtual meeting on Thursday, April 16, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Find background information, the draft ordinance and meeting details on the program website: www.phoenix.gov/administration/departments/parks/about-us/medical-treatment-and-food-distribution-in-parks.html.
